Should you give a tithe or 10% to your church?

While working at a church and dealing with people and money, I’ve noticed that people can get really weird.  I’ve heard that people will stop going to a church because the minister/priest has asked for money.  I have heard people say that you have to give 10% and that is it.  No more and no less.

Take a moment and watch this:

Work Like a Doctor – Live Like a Nurse from Generous Giving on Vimeo.

7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Most churches teach that you should tithe (10% of your income).  I have to say that I think this is wrong.  What I am trying to say is that we hide behind the fact that we will not give anything or we will only give 10%.  But I say, if God has called you to Him then you need to follow the example of Jesus Christ and do what He has shown us.  You need to give 100% of your time, talent, and resources.  Believe me this is so hard, but if you have a little time, talent, and resource, or if you have a lot, you have been given what you should be able to manage.  Either way, it is hard to release it because we are all trying to control our lives and not let God manage it all.

Are you a cheerful giver?  Do you give out of compulsion or reluctantly?  If you do, it seems like you are almost not giving.  Have you prayed about this?  Do you squander all you have?

image:  Royce Bair